Travel Research: A Collection of Castle Hotels and Lodges in the Highlands
Staying in a castle is not a far-fetched fantasy
Curated Recommendations and Guide
Staying in your own castle-crowned estate is no longer a far-fetched fantasy for a Highland adventure. Many of the castles and lodges - once part of their own private kingdoms - have now been converted to boutique hotels and bed & breakfasts to cater to the many tourists traversing the Scottish hills. (Our Musings write-up this week features Monarch of the Glen - a TV series that chronicles one such estate). To experience one–or many–is a classic part of seeing this magnificent country.
Each hotel has its own uniquenesses, and while a few are truly luxury establishments, many do not offer the services or amenities that you’d expect of a grandiose castle. Some aire more “house” than “castle” without the obligatory crenellations. Bathrooms are often dated, and private en-suites are a luxury. Decor can be a bit dowdy. But often that is overshadowed by having scotch and a candlelit dinner in the lofty main dining rooms – and relishing the freedom to go out on a lochside stroll in a private garden or forest. Turn down a small, rutted road, wander and get lost until you come upon your own castle for an evening or two. Lodges are less grandiose, but often focus more on design and culinary experiences for the discerning crowd.
These are a few of our favorites, and some that are on our list to try:
Imagery, from top left: Ardanaiseig Hotel, Kincraig Castle Hotel, Fife Arms, Inverlochy Castle, Mingary Castle, Lundies House, and Glenapp Castle. Top of page: Ardanaiseig Hotel.
Photo Credit: Syllogi, Lundies House, Dezeen, Mingary Castle, Inverlochy Castle, Fife Arms, wedreamoftravel.com
Syllogi’s ‘Travel Research’ publication is an exclusive offering for our members, giving you selected access to our collection of travel projects and guides from our library. As Travel Researchers, this represents highlights from our signature offering to private clients who commission us to provide personalized research for their upcoming travels, and also projects that we have created from our own personal travel. Given the custom nature of each piece, they may skew more family-oriented, or towards a single traveller, or perhaps towards someone who is a foodie, or someone who loves nature. Either way, this intel serves a great guide and overview for anyone travelling to the featured destination.
